Darker Than Love

By: Kristina Lloyd

Narrated by: Gracie Lockhart

Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

"Lord Marldon took Clarissa's hand and kissed it. She knew at once this man would be her master and tormentor. While the thought filled her with dread, an unfathomable desire, deep and fierce, twisted like a knife within her."

It's 1875, and the morals of Queen Victoria mean nothing to London's wayward and debauched elite. Young but naïve Clarissa Longleigh is visiting London for the first time. She is eager to meet Lord Marldon, the man to whom she's been promised, knowing only that he's handsome, dark, and sophisticated. In fact, he is depraved, louche, and has a taste for sexual excess.

Clarissa has also struck up a friendship with a young Italian artist, Gabriel. When Marldon hears of this, he is incensed, and imprisons Clarissa in his opulent London mansion. When Gabriel tries to free her, he too is captured, and the young lovers find themselves at the mercy of the debauched lord.

©2007 Kristina Lloyd (P)2007 Virgin Books Ltd

Critic reviews

"An edgy, decadent affair full of intrigue, with lots of down'n'dirty and decidedly kinky sex." (Desire)

"Smooth as silk"

Not for conventional sensibilities, but for those who like a walk on the wilder side in their erotic fiction, this is well-crafted. I'll look for more from this author.
Owing a great deal to the silken delivery of the reader, this heroine is credible in her naivety, and even more interesting as she begins to discover some darker truths about her erotic nature. Can't say enough about the reader- her delivery is one of the best I've ever heard.

Finally an "out of the box" erotic story

Most erotica I read seems predictable and the same story told over and over. However, the author of this book I think broke out of that mold, got creative and came up with something new! Sure a lot of erotic scenes, but a unique and engaging storyline for erotica. I liked how Lord Mardlon was always many steps a head and I like how the Carrissa character came to terms of what her preferences were and kept moving toward them despite what "society" tells us what "normal" should be. I personally found it creative and refreshing approach to erotica. I thought the ending was a bit abrupt, but the story and narration were very good.

Loved it.

This was a true combo of romance and erotica -- or romantica. There was the classic virgin Victorian young lady, an evil, sexually depraved Lord -- to whom she is tragically betrothed, and a young handsome artist who falls in love with her, and who tries to save her from her fate 'worst than death.' The story builds nicely with lots of menace, both sexual and violent. The secondary characters are nicely fitted to their tasks, both good and bad. The story is fabulously Gothic, but never tips over into farce, instead remaining genuinely creepy throughout. (Parts may be offensive depending upon your personal taste, so be warned.)

The reader is perfect. I'll look for more by her.

The ending seemed rushed, but that's what I always say when I enjoy a book.

Huh...

This is a good story that keeps your attention. There was a sort of educational aspect for me, but all in good taste. The prospective husband is certainly a well-written character. Everyone seems real and very human. Good read.

Definitely erotic.

Being that this an erotic novel I was not expecting undying love and romantic tender lovemaking. It was raunchy, dirty and full of sex. I like this author and her narrators are perfect. I will keep my eyes open for more of her work.
Mikes Wife.

Definitely erotica

If you are bit squeamish about S/M BD, this is not the story for you. This is definitely not a Cinderella romance. However, if you like the rougher side of sex, go for it.

Storyline had great potential until.....

Until every character in the first hour had pretty much topped every other character or at least tried to. I get that people sometimes like sex just for the sake of it but I was really looking forward to the story. It got lost in the repeated scenes of hot debauchery and "dark love". If you want turn of the century porn, here tis!

Darker Than Love

a little over the top and the ending was dissapointing but still a good listen.

Darker Than Love (Unabridged

This is a 3 volume set. The story line is good but the writing becomes stilted and tedious. Far to little is conveyed in far to much time.

Smooth as silk

Not for conventional sensibilities, but for those who like a walk on the wilder side in their erotic fiction, this is well-crafted. I'll look for more from this author. Owing a great deal to the silken delivery of the reader, this heroine is credible in her naivete, and even more interesting as she begins to discover some darker truths about her erotic nature. Can't say enough about the reader- her delivery is one of the best I've ever heard.